5 comments about Me and Hank: A Boy and His Hero, Twenty-Five Years Later.

1. First, this is not a book totally about baseball. If that's what you're looking for, you will have to look elsewhere. If you want a real life account of what went on while The Hammer was chasing The Babe, this is the book for you. It is well written and has enough facts/stats to interest a baseball fan like myself but it has a lot more. It goes into detail about what was going on behind the scenes. It's not pretty but the truth rarely is. There was (maybe still is) so much hate for Hank due to his color that I couldn't believe it was real. It happened before my time and it was sad to know how he was treated. As sad as it was, I think it is important to understand what went on. You know what they say about history repeating. In this case, I hope it never does.



2. I have to say this is the saddest baseball book that I've ever read. This book really is about the reality of sharp division between two Americas --- the main stream one that belongs to whites and another that belongs to blacks.
   
   Being an avid Hank Aaron fan, the author Sandy Tolan does have a strong --- could even say a bit biased --- opinion about how Aaron has not been given proper credit he deserves. As an earlier review points out, he sounds angry at times, but really the whole point in the end is that racism doesn't even take active hatred like those manifested in tons of hate mail Aaron received in his quest for the homerun record. That the main stream America has had so little interest in Aaron's great feat shows the reality of human's natural tendency to unconsciously discount "others." In this sense, I don't think Tolan intended to blame the main-stream America for not giving Aaron enough respect; the white people in the States never truly understand what someone like Aaron had to go through and what he meant to those who are considered as "others" simply because they cannot experience it in today's America. And sure they don't wish to experience if given a choice. I saw much more resignation than accusation in Tolan's narrative.
   
   It is only relieving because Tolan, who is white, does treat Aaron's achievements and deeds with such a profound respect and passion. Yet even Tolan could not break ice with Aaron, whose emotional scar has not been healed. It is too sad Aaron had to go through so many negatives for what everyone should feel happy for. But the book tells what he did really, really meant a lot for those who cared about him, and Tolan made sure that those won't be forgotten.



3. Don't get me wrong -- this was a great read and a provocative book about my favorite ballplayer of all-time. But I thought Tolan was at his best describing the people who experienced Hank Aaron's home run chase firsthand (including himself) and at his worst when his personal memories shifted from fact to opinion.

   The tale of his encounter with a homeless Atlanta man who attended the game where Aaron hit No. 715 is beautifully told and moving. His personal friendship with a Babe Ruth admirer ignores racism in his hometown and praises Aaron for his accomplishment illustrates how we need inner strength and conviction not to simply march in tune with those around us. Tolan's interviews with Aaron, his daughter Gaile and former teammates reveal the depth with which Aaron had to endure racism as a ballplayer, and his historical portrait of the racial tension in his hometown of Milwaukee is thorough and fascinating.

   But the more Tolan discovers about how unappreciated Aaron truly is, the more preachy -- and less effective -- he becomes. He hits a low point when he grills three advertising executives on their lack of knowledge of Aaron's hardships as they prepare to pay homage to Aaron in a MasterCard commercial. Are they to be blamed for that? All of these people clearly respect Aaron, and they all interviewed Aaron in preparation for the commercial. If he'd really wanted them to know what he endured, he probably would have told them. He also takes some unnecessary shots at the Hall of Fame because they have chosen to pay tribute to Babe Ruth with an entire room, while Aaron gets only a wall. Sure, Aaron deserves a room to himself, so do Jackie Robinson, Bob Gibson, Curt Flood, and many of baseball's other African-American pioneers. They don't. Deal with it.

   One need not be a walking encyclopedia of Aaron's life, as Tolan is, to appreciate his accomplishments achieved under extreme duress. Let those who appreciate Aaron for who he is -- a great ballplayer and a great man -- simply be. The irony is, I'm with Tolan on his central argument, that Aaron is one of the greatest and most underappreciated Americans in history. I'll even go far as to say you can't prove Ruth is better than Aaron, because Ruth played an all-white game and didn't necessary play against the best. But Ruth made the game popular. If not for Babe Ruth and what he did to make baseball America's pastime, Aaron's chase wouldn't have inspired the rancor that it did. People wouldn't have cared.

   Sandy, let's enjoy being Hank Aaron fans by not wasting our time beating up those who don't appreciate him to the extreme degree we do.




4. Sandy Tolan did a good job interviewing many people, including Hank Aaron, to do this book. Hank Aaron is a wonderful person who deserves much more recognition for what he has done both on the field and off. The book is very well done. It makes you think.



5. What a wonderful book! This is a fitting tribute to a man who has been shamefully underrated in American life, as well as a probing look at race relations in the past forty-plus years, seen through the prism of baseball and Hank Aaron's breaking of Babe Ruth's record. Like the author, I grew up in Milwaukee, although I am a bit older and so I saw Hank Aaron hit many of his home runs. His dignity and grace are a precious memory of my youth. Also like the author, I wrote Hank Aaron a letter when I learned that racists were hounding him for challenging Ruth, and received an eloquent letter in reply from Mr. Aaron. This book, with its highly personal approach to the subject, is a multifaceted view of a revealing part of American life. I couldn't recommend it more highly.

1 comments about Pete Rose: A Biography (Baseball's All-Time Greatest Hitters).

1. Pete Rose was one of baseball's greatest hitters, but his off-field actions cast a dark light on his achievements, leading to investigations into his gambling and a lifetime banishment from the game which even barred him from induction into the Hall of Fame. His story is told in Pete Rose: A Biography, a hard-hitting sports biography which presents the nature of his lasting legacy and his post-baseball life.

3 comments about I'm Just Getting Started: Baseball's Best Storyteller on Old School Baseball, Defying the Odds, and Good Cigars.

1. Basically this book is a few interesting baseball anecdotes surrounded by a lot of fluff. Most of the blame should be laid at the feet of Kevin Kernan who is listed as a contributing writer. Jack supplied the anecdotes and personal information but Kernan should have been responsible for putting it all into a readable form. In some cases Jack repeats the same statements over three or four times in different parts of the book with just a slight change in the wording. By the time I got halfway through the book I was praying that Jack would not tell me again how much "fun" baseball was or how he was the "first" to do this or that. My prayers were not answered.
   
   I was especially turned off by McKeon's story about getting his son a passing grade in college by giving the professor free game tickets. The bribe is loosely referred to as having "street smarts". Let's call a spade a spade Jack, it's unethical and illegal. There's nothing "smart" about it.
   
   McKeon wears his religion on his sleeve, which is admirable. The problem I have with this is that he attributes certain positive events in his life, including game wins, to "the power of prayer". Apparently Jack hadn't prayed the night before he lost a playoff game for a wildcard spot as manager of the Reds or before his Padres were annihilated by the Tigers in the '84 World Series.
   
   Several of the stories are entertaining, especially if one is familiar with players from the 60s on up. But these could have been condensed into less than 10 pages. I commend Mr. McKeon on his accomplishments but I had hoped for a book that had much more substance. For that I would recommend the classic "Veeck As In Wreck" by Bill Veeck.
   
   I picked up this book from the local library. Thank goodness I didn't put any hard-earned cash out for it.



2. Being a huge Florida Marlins fan, I was very excited that this book was being published. The rags to riches story of Mckeon and the 2003 World Series champs deserves to be recorded for the annals. Jack is known for being very un-PC and a truly salty story teller so I had high hopes for the book.
   That being said, I am forced to admit to being a little disappointed. The book is very short, and I double-checked to make sure I hadn't bought the large print edition accidentally. Despite being a biography, the book foregoes a chronological telling of McKeon's long and distinguished life. I feel this is a mistake as the narrative jumps all over the place. Perhaps the author was trying for a more conversational style, but it is too discombobulated and lacks any cohesion.
   
   I have read a lot of sports biographies, and this is far from the worst. It could have been better. It has some nice details on the 2003 world series run and does capture the quirkiness of its subject. It seems like a book that was contracted out and not started until a week before its publishing deadline.



3. "I'm Just Getting Started: Baseball's Best Storyteller on Old School Baseball, Defying the Odds, and Good Cigars" had the unfortunate luck to be released at approximately the same time as Jose Canseco's much more popular book - - "Juiced : Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big."
   
   With the assistance of Kevin Kernan, Jack McKeon recounts his life in 211 double spaced and large font pages. Of note, Amazon lists the book at 213 pages, but the last two pages detail the manager's record. This is an important fact as it personifies the book in a nutshell. It appears that the author(s) filled in space simply to increase the page count and this detracts from the value of the book.
   
   While the stories are interesting, the editing is horrible and while reading this book, the reader constantly envisions Jack McKeon dictating his words and Kevin typing these words exactly as spoken and then submitting these same words for approval from the publisher without editing.
   
   Most of the book focuses on Mr. McKeon's managerial days and it does a good job of making the reader appreciate how hard he has worked and how far he has come. Jack McKeon uses this book to obtain his revenge on those who let him go (i.e. Cincinnati comes up a lot in the book), but I have no problem with this as he is sailing on top at the present moment. In addition, revenge is best served on a cold platter and he utilizes this mantra well.
   
   Having said this, the book is essentially a hodgepodge of words put together. Sure, it may sound like a conversation, but many ideas are repeated and unnecessary. If you remove the letters from fans, reduce the font, and eliminate the double spacing, you will realize that this book is not quite worth the $16.47 Amazon price.

No comments about Willie Mays: Art in the Outfield.

5 comments about Field of Hope: An Inspiring Autobiography of a Lifetime of Overcoming Odds.

1. Brett Butler has led a life of overcoming the odds. In his youth Brett was told he was too small to make it in pro baseball. Brett kept fighting and he finally made it. Once in the majors, Brett was told he would never be a star. Again he kept fighting and he made the All-Star team. When Brett found out he had cancer, he decided to fight once again. Once again he won.
   Butler reveals his thoughts throughout all of his triumphs and disappointments. He discusses his Christianity without coming across as preachy. He is a man of faith and love and he proudly expresses this.
   The book is very uplifting. It is a real inspirational story from truly one of the good guys!



2. I enjoyed reading Brett Butler's autobiography and have read it quite a few times. It's a wonderful read about love for God and overcoming odds and tragedies. (I love the chapter of his first encounters with his future wife Eveline. It made me laugh out loud.)



3. An inspiring, touching story. I followed Brett's career ever since I first saw him play in Atlanta in 1982. His story is a glowing example of the power of our living God. Hopefully this book will bless you the way it has blessed me. I've read it four times now, and still enjoy it every time. Oh, I have the honor of saying a letter I wrote the day he was diagnosed is on page 218 of this book. God bless you, Brett.



4. "Hope" is an inspiring story of a man who was told in his early life he wouldn't make it in baseball. Mr. Butler proved that hard work and determination does indeed payoff. He is refreshingly honest about his shortcomings and his belief in Jesus Christ. His wife, Eveline, narrates a good portion of the book giving her views on their life together, with the trials and tribulations that goes with any marriage. Another title for this book could have been, "Winners never Quit". They are both just that, winners, only they're winning in the game of life.



5. If you're looking for an inspiring story, this is a great one. It shows what grit and determination can do in a life. It is also a wonderful book for the Christian, thought-provoking and a fine example of the way Christ can guide you through even the most terrible of situations.

No comments about Nolan Ryan : Texas Fastball to Cooperstown.

5 comments about Jackie Robinson and the Integration of Baseball.

1. There is no question that Jackie Robinson is a genuine American hero; his stoic acceptance of the abuse he endured in his first year with the Dodgers was fierce. The significance of the integration of major league baseball cannot be overstated in the overall move towards the overthrow of all racial barriers. As Simon so aptly points out, Robinson's life was truly in danger; America had an internal terrorist cell operating for decades with the tacit support of large segments of the population and law enforcement. The purpose of that cell was to keep people of color in their place and they never hesitated to kill when it served their purposes. Black people and their white supporters were still being murdered two decades after Robinson first took the field for the Dodgers.
   Independent of the reasons that motivated them; you also have to be proud of the actions of the other people on the Dodgers. It all starts with Branch Rickey, who despite his faults; was a visionary who did this because he wanted to win and it was the right thing to do. There was manager Leo Durocher, hardly a saint, who was emphatic with the Dodger players in telling them Robinson was going to play because he would help them win and that was the only thing that mattered. There was southerner Eddie Stanky, who screamed at the Phillie players who were issuing racial taunts at Robinson, calling them cowards for picking on someone who could not fight back. Finally, there was Pee Wee Reese, who called time at one of the most brutal moments, to walk over to Robinson and comfort him.
   The primary message from this book is that Jackie Robinson succeeded because he was a great player and he brought out the best in the game of baseball. After his Dodger teammates and the Dodger fans realized his worth, they accepted him because he helped them win and in sports, that is all that should matter.



2. Mr. Simon is an esteemed radio journalist, but this book hardly qualifies for even the low standards of sports journalism. Many factual errors, and Mr. Simon spends almost as much time coming up with excuses for why the Red Sox were the last team to integrate, as he does celebrating Jackie Robinson and those who spurred the re-integration of "Organized Baseball." This dashed-off effort completely overlooks that Blacks WERE previously in Organized Baseball, but were booted out.



3. This little book--small in dimensions and hardly over 100 pages in length--should be on everyone's bookshelf. Whether you remember watching Jackie Robinson play (as I do), or whether he's just a name from the distant past; whether you're white (as I am), or black, or any other race, creed or color; whether you're a baseball fan (like me) or someone who couldn't care less about the National Pastime, Jackie Robinson's story is for everyone.

   The only reason I didn't give this book a 5-star rating is that there's really nothing new in it; if you already know the saga of Robinson's integration of baseball you aren't likely to learn a lot of news things about it here. But Scott Simon writes beautifully and movingly and retells this great American story with verve and directness.

   I've read that there are professional baseball players today (even black players!) who barely have any idea who Robinson was or what he endured. His story should never be forgotten and this wonderful book will help assure that Robinson's memory endures.




4. This book offers nothing in the way of original research or new conclusions about the integration of organized baseball; it is full of errors, special pleading, and misplaced nostalgia. It also fails to acknowlege its debt to the superior work of others, especially Jules Tygiel (*Baseball's Great Experiment: Jackie Robinson and his Legacy*) and John C. Chalberg (*Rickey and Robinson: The Preacher, the Player and America's Game*). Purchase either of the latter books (or both) and give this misconceived vanity effort a pass.



5. This book is a perfect two-hour read for a Saturday morning after listening to the author on NPR's Saturday Morning Edition. The reader can hear Mr. Simon's distinctive and familiar voice when reading the pages. The book is not intended to be a comprehensive history on baseball's integration or a biography of Jackie Robinson, as noted in the opening pages. Rather, it provides just the right amount of background on Mr. Robinson and Mr. Richey, as well as the context surrounding events. Mr. Simon's notes and examples stimulate readers to learn more about particular people and events. I particularly recommend this book (and possibly the series from the list of forthcoming books) as a quick read for adults and teenagers who desire to read about the people and events that shaped our nation, yet must balance the responsibilities of family, work and community, which may prevent them from reading longer books.

5 comments about Hitter: The Life and Turmoils of Ted Williams.

1. Ed Linn says that Williams was the greatest hitter of all-time, he should have won 5 MVP awards, and his 1941 season was more impressive than DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak. That he gave up his potentially most productive years to fight in two wars says as much for his character as it does for his projected totals. The biggest hurdle to recognition was his rascally personality that alienated hometown Boston sportswriters.

   In a media age, it is very hard for accomplishments to be recognized without supporting prose. But in Williams' case, his attitude not only cost him prose, but MVP votes from local sportswriters. Had the hometown scribes written glowingly about his .406 average in 1941 the way the New York papers lionized DiMaggio's hitting streak, he may have won his first MVP. Instead it took time for that accomplishment to be realized, and it continues to grow as the years pass without any .400 hitters. Add the two Triple Crowns he won without getting the award and you have to wonder what sportswriters were doing with their votes.

   Linn doesn't comment much on Williams' years as the manager of the Washington Senators. It's just mentioned to say that Williams wasn't cut out to be a manager. He says a little about Williams' service record, but reminds us that he was John Glenn's wingman. And we get just enough about Williams home life to know that he wasn't the best husband. This book isn't about those things it's about Williams the great hitter.

   Linn stresses that Williams proved his greatness by the way he played when his tools were diminishing in the 1950s. While the rest of his body was breaking down with injuries his bat could still light up a ballgame. That he won the 1958 batting title at age of 39 is a feat that Linn says is amazing. Linn makes a dramatic telling of his last at bat home run by explaining Williams before and after the contest.

   This is an informative and thorough telling of Williams the ballplayer and a good choice if you want to know more about Williams and his era in the big leagues.




2. If you want to know everything you possibly can about Ted and his effect on the game you need to read this book.



3. This is an absolutely FABULOUS book. It details not only the career, but also the life of the greatest hitter who ever lived. I am generally not a big book reader, but I could not put this one down, reading it in a little over a day. I guarantee that if you are a baseball fan, you will love this book!



4. Biographies often waste time describing things like the "childhood home". While this book gives an overview of Williams' early life, it focuses on his historical impact on baseball and his attitudes toward the game. Linn does an excellent job of measuring Williams statistically and creating the perspective of his career that, as a 34 year old, I did not get to experience first hand. An understanding of each season, his teammates and adversaries, creates for me an appreciation that did not exist before. Some great segments on Ted's mentality toward the game and hitting specifically, was great not only for me but also my 10 year old. Note: this is a biography NOT an instructional manual - see The Science of Hitting for the "other half of the story.



5. Ed Linn's HITTER is a excellent biography on Ted Williams life and baseball career. It's a solid 400 pages about Williams, his youth, his personality quirks and flaws, his talent at hitting a baseball, and his glorious seasons at Fenway Park. What Ed Linn does best is to write about The Kid's best seasons and comparing them to other baseball greats using statistical analysis. Also the many stories about Williams' war with the Boston Press. Linn was very careful to write both the good and bad of Williams, and is not afraid to criticize his behavior. The only reasons why this book isnt a home run is because I feel that there could have been more details in certain situations,or maybe Linn suffers from the same problem as Ted Williams had in front of the Fenway Crowd, they both did such a good job that you just wanted a little more from them.

5 comments about Making Airwaves: 60+ Years at Milo's Microphone.

1. I have long suspected that Milo Hamilton was a small-minded, egotistical jackass. Here we have a couple hundred pages of confirmation. The consummate loser who made good. This is the land of opportunity.



2. Message to Milo: maybe all those teams that fired you were trying to tell you something. This book reeks with self-pity and self-promotion. Having endured Milo's tenure with the Braves, I'm not surprised at the tone of this book. Milo couldn't get along with Hank Aaron, who never had an unkind word for anyone. But apparently Milo felt Hank's little home run chase was overshadowing....Milo. If he's still working, I'm glad it's with the Astros, where he has limited influence and exposure.



3. I loved to listen to Milo when he did the White Sox games on WCFL in the early 60s. I enjoyed Milo when he was interviewed by Roy Firestone on the old Mazda Sports Look on ESPN back in the late 80s/early 90s.
   
   I agree with a previous reviewer that it seems like a book written by a grumpy old man. I might add that it's a pretty self-indulging book. I read the reviews before I got the book from the library, and only made a special request because I loved Milo hoping that I would enjoy the book. Although writing the book for Milo might have been therapy for him, Milo should have then thrown it out. Milo's thoughts would have been better left unsaid. I might add that I'm not a fan of Harry Carey & other announcers that he trashed in the book. Actually there aren't many people that Milo didn't trash.



4. Overall, a very interesting read. While I wish he wrote a little more about the players (especially the chapter about his all-time team) and not place too much weight on the behind-the-scene stuff, I liked reading about his experiences with the HOF broadcasters, especially about Bob Elson and Jack Brickhouse. These are big names I wasn't too familiar with, so it was really nice to get an account of how they were like back then.



5. Having grown up listening to Milo Hamilton from his White Sox days to the present day with the Astros made this an interesting book. His interaction with other broadcasters, especially Harry Carey, is good along with his memories of past players and stadiums. If you are a fan of baseball and broadcasting I would recommend this book.

5 comments about Lefty Grove: American Original.

1. I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It fills in the gaps that most baseball fans have regarding Lefty Grove, whom most confuse with Lefty Gomez. That's a shame becasue Lefty Grove is arguably one of -if not the - best pitchers in baseball history. Some has stated that his personality was rather dull and that explains why he is often overlooked. After reading this book, I'd characterize his personality as more eccentric than dull.
   
   ...And what a great pitcher! Read this book - you won't regret it.



2. I was particularly happy to receive this book on Lefty Grove because, as with a number of pre-World War II stars, a meaningful biography has been lacking about them. Jim Kaplan's version of Grove's life isn't perfect, but it's close enough, filled with stories about Grove, his teammates and the times. It's an interesting, well-written, thoughtful biography about an outstanding pitcher and one of the best ballplayers ever, and fills a gap in baseball literature that needed to be addressed.



3. Jim Kaplan sets out in this well-researched book to resurrect the figure of Lefty Grove, a 300-game winner whose career spanned those of Walter Johnson and Ted Williams. For the most part, he convincingly makes his case that Groves deserves to be included among a handful of baseball's elite pitchers and that he was perhaps the best lefthander hurler ever.

   Whatever shortcomings the book may have, the reader is bound to be impressed by Kaplan's knowledge of Grove's career (he takes us through each of his 17 big league seasons and four that he spent at the minor league level) and his painstaking efforts to convey a sense of the time in which Grove played. When he describes one of Grove's many confrontations with Babe Ruth, the writing has the ring of truth. Particularly effective is his recounting of the famous 1929 World Series game in which Grove's Philadelphia A's scored 10 runs in one inning to wipe out an eight-run Chicago Cub lead en route to winning the world championship.

   Kaplan brings to life several key figures of Grove's time, most notably Connie Mack, Grove's manager with the A's and a man who not only strongly influenced the lives of his players but also the organizational direction of baseball. Long before the 1997 Marlins were broken up to save money, Mack was doing the same thing, jettisoning big names and large salaries to build teams anew. He also offers a valuable analysis of Mack's and Grove's 1929-1931 Philadelphia A's, convincingly arguing that these teams (that also included Hall of Famers Al Simmons, Mickey Cochrane, to name a few) were the equal of the more celebrated 1926-1928 Yankees, whose 1927 edition is generally considered the greatest in baseball history.

   Also of note is the final section, which analyzes the careers of Johnson, Grove and Sandy Koufax and offers the reader statistical food for thought in considering who was the greatest lefthander ever.

   Kaplan's writing is solid but unspectacular and he lapses at times into a cheerleading tone, particularly when he discusses Grove's great achievements (which included nine ERA titles, a 31-4 season, a career .680 winning percentage and a 1935-1939 resurrection of his craft, during which he transformed himself from a fireballer into a finesse pitcher.)

   Kaplan's otherwise fine description of the last day of the 1941 season, in which Williams secured his .406 average by going six-for-eight after refusing to sit on the bench for a doubleheader, is marred by the writer's tone of breathless admiration for the player's feat. Nothing wrong with being a fan when you write a baseball book, but I prefer that the author for the most part let the facts speak for themselves.

   All in all, Kaplan produces a portrait of a driven, often disagreeable man who hated losing and was impatient with the shortcomings of mere athletic mortals. The picture of Lefty is convincing, but Kaplan uses the same strokes pretty heavily to produce it.

   The baseball fan/historian will find this a very useful look at this undeservedly obscure figure and will find it particularly interesting to revisit an era of the sport that differs so radically from the present one.




4. When I told friend of mine (a sports fan) that I was reading a book about Lefty Grove, he asked "Who is that?" Considering Grove was probably the greatest pitcher who ever lived, this public ignorance is unfortunate. Robert Kaplan in American Original does a very good job of letting us know who Grove was. Grove's terible temper and hatred of losing are brought to life in this book. Kaplan also includes a statistical breakdown of Grove's career and a detailed comparison between him and some other great pitchers. No true baseball fan should miss this book!



5. LEFTY GROVE AMERICAN ORIGINAL IS WORTH READING. I ENJOYED THE TELLING OF HIS CAREER AND LIFE. HE WAS PHENOMINAL TALENT WITH A HOT TEMPER TO GO WITH IT. THIS NOVEL IS WELL WRITTEN AND KEPT MY INTEREST ALL THE WAY. I RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE WHO ENJOYS BASEBALL HISTORY AND THE GREAT MEN WHO PLAYED IT.